Is the current relationship you have with food a healthy one? To find out, keep a written list of what you eat, when and where you eat, and what your emotional state is. Do you eat when you are lonely or perhaps when you are watching television or maybe because you have a friend to binge with? Identifying such behaviors is the first step toward making positive changes.

Once you have identified your relationship with food, you can evaluate what behaviors may be harmful to your health and begin to make small changes over time. Generally a change in behavior will become permanent if you practice it for 6 to 8 weeks.

Decide what will be the easiest to change. Make those changes first. What impact will changing this behavior have on others around you? Is there someone who can support you in this behavior change? You are the best judge of what changes are best for you. For example, if you just cannot live without chocolate, then leave chocolate in your eating plan, just eat smaller portions less frequently.

If you find it difficult to change your relationship with food, ask for help. Registered dietitians and behavioral scientists can be strong partners in this effort. Remember, small changes over time can result in big changes toward a healthy life.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File NUTR3291.rf2 VRS# 6909 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.

For related information; see Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program, 319-384-5089